PM Shehbaz discusses regional situation with Qatari counterpart: PMO

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday received a telephone call from Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

During their “warm and cordial” conversation, the two leaders held a productive exchange of views on the current regional situation.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to facilitating ongoing efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region, according to an official press release by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Recalling his recent visit to Doha on April 16, the prime minister said that his meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the rest of the Qatari leadership was “most helpful” in forging a consensus for the peace efforts.

He noted that the people of Pakistan were looking forward to a visit from the emir of Qatar at a convenient date, adding that the visit would help to further strengthen bilateral ties between the countries.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s premier expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region, the PMO added.

The Qatari premier assured PM Shehbaz that Doha would continue to support the diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Pakistan to ensure the security and stability of the Middle East.

“Both leaders agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on all issues of mutual interest,” the PMO said.

PM Shehbaz also posted about the call on X, saying that he conveyed his gratitude to his “dear brother, the emir of Qatar” for his leadership, as well as for Qatar’s continued support for Pakistan’s efforts to “advance regional peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy”.

The premier had also met Qatar’s emir in February while on an official visit to Doha, saying that the two countries would continue to work together for peace and stability in the region and beyond.

During the same visit, he held a meeting with the Qatari premier, where the two discussed regional issues, including developments in Gaza and broader Gulf security dynamics.

Pakistan initially positioned itself as a facilitator in the peace process between Tehran and Washington after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, setting off a conflict that gave rise to a global fuel crisis. Later, the White House and Iran acknowledged it as the “sole mediator” in the process.

The first round of historic direct US-Iran talks, held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, ended without an agreement, but also without a breakdown, as a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire was then extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump.

While Pakistan’s leadership is seeking to bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table, an impasse remains.